Rival retailer Sports Direct saved 20 JJB stores from closure, none of which in Lincolnshire, by buying them along with existing stock and the Slazenger Golf brand for £23.77 million.

Richard Fleming, KPMG’s UK Head of Restructuring confirmed that various attempts to save the troubled business had “not been enough to prevent the company falling into administration”.

He added: “Unfortunately a buyer could only be found for 20 stores on a going concern basis. All staff made redundant as a result of store closures have had their arrears of wages and holiday entitlements paid in full. ”

A 24-hour helpline has been put in place for affected JJB Sports employees on 0845 3022 538.